43 awards were given for a variety of achievements including investigative work, education, and radio dispatch.

Two community members were also recognized and awarded for their assistance to the Duluth Police force...one saved a woman from falling to her death the other captured a car prowler.

The police chief says those who were awarded are community leaders and serve as mentors and role models.

"Good work is done here everyday—every minute of everyday. Night, day time, and this is a way for us to recognize those who have done exceptional work, above and beyond," Chief Gordon Ramsey, Duluth Police, said.

"It's a strange feeling I guess. It's a 150 man department with a lot of good officers and a lot of great people that I work with. It's an honor to picked out as the Officer of the Year among that group of people," Officer Dan Neitzel, Duluth Police, said.

Patrol Officer Dan Neitzel has been with Duluth Police Department since 2009 and won the Officer of the Year award due to his overall achievements.